The weeks before daycare or school begins are often filled with excitement and a touch of nervousness—for parents as much as children. There is plenty to think about: finding the right bag, choosing a lunchbox, perhaps buying new shoes that actually fit. But once the first week is underway, many families realise there were things they had not thought to prepare.
Lost property bins fill up quickly. Spare clothes go missing. Items come home in the wrong bag—or do not come home at all. These small frustrations are incredibly common, yet they are rarely mentioned in the welcome pack.
This guide covers the practical preparations that often get overlooked, helping you feel more organised and less caught off guard when the term gets busy.
The Lost Property Problem in NZ
One thing that catches many parents off guard is just how quickly belongings go missing. In a room full of children with identical water bottles and similar jumpers, items can easily end up in the wrong bag or left behind in the playground.
Schools and daycare centres typically have overflowing lost property bins, and retrieving unmarked items can be surprisingly difficult. Taking time to label belongings before the first day can save considerable frustration later in the term.
What Actually Needs Labelling
The short answer is: more than you might expect. Beyond the obvious items like lunchboxes and drink bottles, consider labelling:
- Hats and sun hats
- Jumpers, cardigans, and jackets
- Shoes (especially if children change for sports or indoor play)
- Spare clothing kept at daycare
- Nap time items like blankets or soft toys
- Art smocks
- Library bags and sports bags
Essentially, if it leaves the house with your child, there is a chance it may not come back without a name on it.
Choosing How to Label
There are several approaches to labelling children's belongings, and what works for one family may not suit another. Understanding your options can help you decide what might work for your situation.
Stick-On Labels
Name labels with a peel-and-stick backing are versatile and work well on hard surfaces. They are commonly used for lunchboxes, drink bottles, stationery containers, and plastic items.
Our stick-on clothing labels are designed to be waterproof and dishwasher-safe, which is helpful for items that need regular cleaning. Name labels in NZ are available in various sizes and designs, so you can often find options that suit different items and preferences.
Labels for Clothing
Clothing tends to need a different approach. Clothing labels come in several forms, including iron-on options, sew-in tags, and labels that attach to existing garment tags.
Iron on labels are popular for school uniforms and daycare clothing because they bond directly to the fabric. Once applied correctly, they generally withstand regular washing and drying. Iron on labels in NZ work on most cotton and polyester fabrics.
Name Stamps
A name stamp offers a quick way to mark multiple items. Using permanent ink, you can stamp directly onto fabric tags, care labels, or other surfaces.
A name stamp in NZ can be particularly efficient at the start of a new year when you have many items to label at once. They work well for things like socks and underwear, where individual labels might be fiddly to apply.
Sew On Labels
Sew-on labels are a durable option for families who prefer a permanent solution for clothing. These labels are stitched directly onto the garment, either by hand or with a sewing machine, making them ideal for items that see heavy use or frequent washing.
Many parents choose sew-on labels for school uniforms, sports gear, and outerwear that will be worn season after season. Because they are attached with thread rather than adhesive or heat, sew-on labels tend to stay secure on fabrics where other label types might struggle, such as fleece, stretchy materials, or waterproof jackets.
Sew-on labels do require a little more time to attach than peel-and-stick or iron-on options. However, for items you want to last—or clothing that will be passed down to younger siblings—the extra effort can be worthwhile. They are also a good choice for delicate fabrics.
Labels for Shoes:
Shoe name labels are designed to fit inside footwear, helping children identify their own shoes among a pile of similar pairs. They are particularly useful for young children at daycare or school who may not yet recognise their shoes after PE, swimming lessons, or outdoor play.
These labels are typically placed on the insole, heel area, or tongue of the shoe, where they remain protected from the wear and friction of walking. Personalise your shoe labels with fun shapes. When applying shoe labels, make sure the inside of the shoe is clean and dry for the best adhesion. Shoes are a surprisingly common item to lose—especially during warmer months when children frequently switch between school shoes, sandals, and bare feet. A clearly labelled pair of shoes stands a much better chance of being returned if left behind at school, a friend's house, or sports practice.
Preparing for the Unexpected
Beyond labelling, there are other practical preparations that experienced parents often recommend.
Spare Clothing
Most daycare centres and many schools ask parents to provide a set of spare clothes. Even toilet-trained children can have accidents, get wet during water play, or spill food on themselves. Having a clearly labelled bag of spare clothing on hand means your child can be changed quickly without fuss.
Consider packing seasonally appropriate items—a light change for summer and warmer options for winter. Check and update this bag each term, as children grow quickly and last season's spares may no longer fit.
Comfort Items and Sleep Gear
For children starting daycare, rest time is part of the daily routine. If your child has a particular blanket, soft toy, or comfort item they sleep with at home, check whether these can come to daycare. Having something familiar can help children settle during what might otherwise be an unsettling time.
Again, labelling these items is important—comfort items tend to be deeply loved and would be very missed if lost.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
The first weeks of daycare or school involve a lot of adjustment. By taking care of practical details in advance—labelling belongings, preparing spare clothing, and sorting out paperwork—you can reduce some of the daily stress and focus on supporting your child through the transition.
Precious Labels offers a range of labelling options that may help you get organised before the term begins. Whether you prefer stick-on labels, iron-on options, or stamps, having everything clearly marked can make those busy mornings just a little bit easier.
Every family's situation is different, and there is no single right way to prepare. But a bit of thought beforehand can help you feel more confident as that first day approaches—and may save you a few trips to the lost property bin along the way.